1 Corinthians 16:5
Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.
Original Language Analysis
Ἐλεύσομαι
I will come
G2064
Ἐλεύσομαι
I will come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 10
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 10
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
5 of 10
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
Cross References
Acts 19:21After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.1 Corinthians 4:19But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
Historical Context
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians from Ephesus (16:8) around AD 53-54 during his three-year ministry there (Acts 19:10, 20:31). His planned route—Ephesus to Macedonia to Corinth—reflects the geography of his third missionary journey. He wanted to spend extended time in Corinth addressing their problems, not make a brief, painful visit.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Paul's openness about travel plans reveal about his relationship with the Corinthian church?
- How should Christian leaders balance making plans with remaining flexible to God's providence?
- When pastoral plans change, how can leaders maintain credibility while adapting to circumstances?
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Analysis & Commentary
Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia—Paul's travel plans, mentioned frequently in his letters, reveal his strategic thinking and pastoral concern. He intended to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia (northern Greece, including Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea). The verb dierchomai (διέρχομαι, "pass through") suggests a journey involving multiple stops, not a direct route.
For I do pass through Macedonia—The present tense verb emphasizes Paul's settled intention. However, 2 Corinthians 1:15-17 reveals Paul changed these plans, resulting in accusations of fickleness. His defense shows even apostolic plans remain subject to divine providence and pastoral wisdom, not carved in stone.